Eight arrested, three charged in connection with drug trafficking sting in southeastern Alberta

Three people have been charged and five others are in custody in connection with a drug trafficking sting in southeastern Alberta.

An investigation was launched in late October and searches were conducted at homes in Medicine Hat and Tilley after ALERT received information about drug trafficking in the area.

Officers, with the help of Medicine Hat police and RCMP in Brooks and Redcliffe, seized two firearms, ammunition, cocaine and methamphetamine, along with 34 cartons of contraband cigarettes and $3,550.

A vehicle was also searched in Medicine Hat that contained a handgun and a large amount of meth.

“Methamphetamine has been a significant concern in our community and we are committed to working with our partner agencies to disrupt its illicit sale,” Staff Sgt. Cory Booth said in a Tuesday news release.

A total of 20 charges have been laid against three people, including one person arrested previously in August 2016 in connection with a drug bust that uncovered $80,000 worth of drugs.

Justin Crawford, 34, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of careless storage of a firearm and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of a firearm in a vehicle, possession of a prohibited firearm and six counts of breach of recognizance

Alan Dressel, 40, is charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, possession of proceeds of crime and two counts of breach of recognizance.

Rodney McNabb, 39, is charged with an outstanding Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large.

Anyone with information about suspected drug or gang activity in the community is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.